The Pennsylvania Environmental Council is inviting Donegal-area residents to help develop a new vision for what the area should look like. PEC will conduct a Community Design Workshop or "charrette" December 15-17 at Highlands Hall Banquet Center, located at the intersection of Routes 31 and 381 in Westmoreland County.

The charrette will visualize priority community and economic development projects as determined from the multi-municipal plan for Donegal Borough and Donegal Township, focusing on the borough and on the Route 31 corridor from the Turnpike interchange to Route 381 and a portion of Route 381 South.

Throughout the workshop, artists will help local residents to share their vision for how certain buildings or portions of the corridor might look as they are redeveloped.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

-- December 15, noon-5 p.m., drop-in Open House, and 7 p.m., brief discussion about Donegal's potential in a new economy, followed by an Open House;

-- December 16, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., drop in Open House - stop in any time and share your vision with the Design Team; and

-- December 17, noon, public presentation of concepts and strategies for redesigning the community.

Residents are invited to stop by any time during the Open House to talk with the Design Team about what they like, what they don't like and opportunities they "see" for the community.

The Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce is promoting Donegal as "the Gateway to the Laurel Highlands" based on the awesome beauty and recreational assets of the area.

Brad Clemenson, PEC's senior project manager for the Laurel Highlands Initiative, said Donegal's location at the busiest Turnpike interchange for Laurel Highlands visitors creates potential for a new, sustainable economy based on growth from two distinct groups of new businesses: businesses that serve visitors and businesses created by entrepreneurs who want to live near the scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities all around Donegal, including the ski resorts, Ohiopyle State Park, and other state parks on Laurel Ridge.

The Community Design Workshop is being presented in partnership by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, PEC, Donegal Borough, Donegal Township, and the Mountain Laurel Chamber of Commerce.

The workshop is being held as part of the Laurel Highlands Initiative.

More information is available from Sarah Harkcom, borough council president, 724-593-2818, or Brad Clemenson, PEC, 814-659-3465.

12/5/2008